Elounda

Elounda (Greek Ελούντα ( f sg ) ) is a village in the municipality of Agios Nikolaos of the municipality of the same name in the northeast of the island of Crete, Greece 's largest island. The former major port city located about 70 kilometers east of Heraklion, the capital of Crete, 12 kilometers north of the nearest large town, Agios Nikolaos. Today's village Elounda (2011) 2,193 inhabitants consists of seven settlements, of which schism with 1,730 inhabitants, is the largest and is usually identified with the village. Until 1997, Elounda was an independent country community ( kinotita ) with the seat schism.

Nowadays, Elounda is a holiday home with many upscale lodging in the area. From Elounda can be reached by boat to the former leper island of Spinalonga.

The ancient settlement precursor of Elounda was Olous and was one of the most important port cities of Crete. Olous was founded in the first millennium BC, but lost in importance, when lowered in the 4th century AD, the eastern Crete and the West raised. This sank Olous and the offshore peninsula was almost entirely cut off from the mainland. The ruins of the ancient city are now below sea level, some wall traces are still visible.